THE TRANSFER EXPERIENCE

Welcome!

All of us at Student Transitions & Family Programs are thrilled to welcome you to WashU. We hope to make the transition to your new home as seamless as possible. We recognize that being a transfer student presents unique challenges and may seem difficult in the beginning. However, in our experience, these initial hurdles can be overcome by exercising patience, getting involved on campus, and creating connections. You have the unique opportunity for a fresh start and will have many experiences available to you.

You will find everyone at WashU helpful, so never be afraid to ask questions. Student mentors, teaching assistants, professors, and others are here to provide support. It is your job to seek them out and ask for their guidance. Throughout Fall Welcome, make an effort to attend all of the transfer student events. Fall Welcome is also a great opportunity to bond with other new transfer students.

As you integrate into the WashU community, I would highly recommend keeping in touch with your transfer friends. Even now, some of my closest friends are the ones I made during orientation. Finally, know that everything is going to work out. As TXSMs, we will be your point of support and guidance throughout your first year at WashU and are sources of information regarding classes, academic deadlines, campus activities, and more. You have the power to create and shape your identity and legacy at WashU. I highly recommend putting yourself out there, keeping an open mind and engaging with the WashU and St. Louis communities. By doing so, I’ve made friends from various academic divisions and backgrounds and we have enjoyed sharing our interests and hobbies with one another. My decision to transfer to WashU was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and the benefits continue to pay off with each passing day. Enjoy your break and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at transitions@wustl.edu. We look forward to meeting you this fall!

—Rohan Chintalapudi, Transfer & Exchange Student Mentor, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2024

You have chosen WashU for your next academic home and we are eager to support you as you learn this new place. Wherever you pursue your degree, some things remain the same—finding courses you love, balancing class work and free time, and making the right connections. At WashU, your four-year advisor is a starting place for sorting things out. As you meet with your advisor over the summer, take advantage of their knowledge of the academic as well as campus culture. As a four-year advisor, our job is to help you chart your next semesters and connect you with resources you want and need. There are other people ready to help too. Learn the student perspective right away with your TXSM Student Mentor. They have been where you are and have volunteered to be your guide. Make a commitment to take advantage of a fabulous resource, your faculty. Engage during class and use office hours. Faculty at WashU really do want you to do your best. Have a wonderful summer and we will see you on campus.

—Melanie Osborn, Senior Assistant Dean, McKelvey School of Engineering